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11/02/2004
New committee to allow greater scrutiny of European legislation
Parliament is to have more opportunity to scrutinise and debate European legislation, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said today.
Mr Straw set out plans for a new parliamentary committee to debate European issues, whereby Ministers, European Commissioners and Members of both the Lords and Commons would be able to attend.
In a statement to Parliament, Mr Straw also said that a White Paper will be published in April this year outlining upcoming European issues – and there will be a new White Paper published every January following.
The Foreign Secretary said that 2004 was to be an important year for the EU with 10 new members due to join in May and MEP elections due in June.
"We also have the initial proposals on the financing of the European Union after 2006; the continuing efforts to reform the European economy so that it better delivers jobs and prosperity; and the outstanding matter of the Intergovernmental Conference," he said.
The Foreign Secretary said it was "imperative" that national democratic bodies were "fully engaged" on issues like trade, the environment and organised crime.
He added: "I hope that the proposals I have set out today will go some way to ensuring that we in this House, and in Parliament as a whole, can be more effective in doing that."
The United Kingdom is to assume presidency of the EU in 2005.
(gmcg)
Mr Straw set out plans for a new parliamentary committee to debate European issues, whereby Ministers, European Commissioners and Members of both the Lords and Commons would be able to attend.
In a statement to Parliament, Mr Straw also said that a White Paper will be published in April this year outlining upcoming European issues – and there will be a new White Paper published every January following.
The Foreign Secretary said that 2004 was to be an important year for the EU with 10 new members due to join in May and MEP elections due in June.
"We also have the initial proposals on the financing of the European Union after 2006; the continuing efforts to reform the European economy so that it better delivers jobs and prosperity; and the outstanding matter of the Intergovernmental Conference," he said.
The Foreign Secretary said it was "imperative" that national democratic bodies were "fully engaged" on issues like trade, the environment and organised crime.
He added: "I hope that the proposals I have set out today will go some way to ensuring that we in this House, and in Parliament as a whole, can be more effective in doing that."
The United Kingdom is to assume presidency of the EU in 2005.
(gmcg)
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13 June 2005
Blair to remain “firm” EU rebate
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01 June 2004
Beware 'extremists', Tories urge ahead of Euro poll
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21 June 2013
Cigarettes Prices 94% above EU Avergae
New figures from the EU statistical office, Eurostat, have shown that the UK has some of the highest alcohol and tobacco prices in European Union. In Britain, alcohol prices are 43% above average and cigarettes are the third highest recorded, coming in at 94% above average.
Cigarettes Prices 94% above EU Avergae
New figures from the EU statistical office, Eurostat, have shown that the UK has some of the highest alcohol and tobacco prices in European Union. In Britain, alcohol prices are 43% above average and cigarettes are the third highest recorded, coming in at 94% above average.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
